Annlyel James 
Could Marvel Studios be about to change the dynamics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by casting the first-ever black Reed Richards in Fantastic 4?
A few days ago I had a revelation. While looking up Kang the Conqueror in excited anticipation for his MCU debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. I discovered that before he became Kang the Conqueror he was Nathaniel Richards, a descendant of Reed Richards from the 31st century. Learning this, a lightbulb went off in my head.
Kang the Conqueror, in the MCU, is going to be played by Jonathan Majors. An African-American actor who has risen prominently in the last year with roles in the critically-acclaimed Spike Lee joint, Da 5 Bloods, and his starring role in the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated HBO series, Lovecraft Country. So. is the writing on the wall that Reed Richards will be played by an African-American actor?
FANTASTIC 4
This is the first time I’ve ever even considered the idea of an African-American Mr. Fantastic. Considering that my first and most preferred actor for the role would be John Krasinski. I loved the prospect of Krasinski and Emily Blunt playing Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. But it seems that Marvel Studios may be moving in a different direction.
Recently rumors have also been reported that Jennifer Lawrence could potentially play Sue Storm in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. I like the idea of her playing Invisible Woman. Even though I’d prefer a shorter, leaner actor. Jennifer Lawrence’s 5′ 9″ frame seems a bit big for the character. In the past Fantastic Four movies, Sue Storm was played by Jennifer Alba (5′ 7″) and Kate Mara (5′ 2″). But like I said before, I do not necessarily have a problem with her playing Invisible Woman.
All in all, we’re surely just around the corner from discovering the core cast of the newest reboot for Marvel’s first family. And I am so ready for those announcements!
The Future of the Force. The future of pop culture writing.
Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
